Best Campgrounds near Huntington Beach, CA

Camping near Huntington Beach offers a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors while being close to the ocean. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and soak in the sun.

What to do:

• Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide easy access to the beach. Campers love the convenience of walking right to the sand. One reviewer mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean."
• Biking and Running: The area has excellent bike lanes and running paths. A camper shared, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
• Live Music and Entertainment: Some campgrounds host live music events. A visitor at California Leo Carrillo State Park Campground noted, "The live music is always good, too."

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. One reviewer at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park said, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
• Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A camper at Bonelli Bluffs remarked, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
• Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites. A visitor at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach mentioned, "The campground is set up as a bunch of loops with a large common area between the rear of every campsite."

What you should know:

• Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get packed, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground noted, "It can get very crowded and packed."
• Limited Hookups: Many sites do not offer electric hookups. A camper at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach pointed out, "The upper campground has water and electricity."
• Noise Levels: Some campers have experienced noise from nearby roads or other campers. One visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground said, "The train is loud, but passes seldom."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that offer more privacy and space. A family camper at Dogwood Campground mentioned, "Most of the sites are spaced out fairly decently."
• Plan Activities: Bring bikes or plan beach days to keep kids entertained. A reviewer at Malibu Creek State Park Campground said, "Nice, small campground with hiking trails easily accessible."
• Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground noted, "There’s a marina store with food trucks."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Bonelli Bluffs said, "The sites are small. It is very difficult to back in to a spot when you have campers across from your campsite."
• Bring Your Own Water: Some campgrounds may not have water hookups. A camper at California Leo Carrillo State Park Campground mentioned, "No water hookups."
• Be Prepared for Crowds: If you’re camping on weekends, expect a lively atmosphere. A reviewer at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach said, "The weekdays are really quiet, maybe 15 to 20 RVs in the F area but weekends fill up completely."

Camping around Huntington Beach, California, offers a mix of beach fun, scenic views, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy!